Off to Kentucky

Have you wondered what it's like travelling abroad for competitions?

We caught up with SJ Tetlow before she set off to America for the upcoming 2023 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event.

SJ has worked for British eventing rider Kirsty Chalbert and Classic VI (Betty) for 5 years, she was offered a job interview after visiting a friend who was liverying at Kirsty's yard, and they have not looked back since. 

HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR SUCH AN EVENT?

"Many lists are the way forward, check lists, to do lists and shopping lists!

It sounds crazy but we just keep everything the same for the horse, she still goes out every day in the field to relax and continues her work whether it's flat work in the school, fitness at the gallops or a fun hack (her favourite)."

HOW DO YOU ENSURE THAT THE HORSES HAVE THE LEAST AMOUNT OF STRESS WHEN TRAVELLING SO FAR?

"We are very fortunate that Classic VI is very good at travelling, as long as she has her hay, she is pretty relaxed. On arrival a bit of recovery mash to make sure she has a drink and then a good roll in her new box is her usual routine... oh and a wee!

All horses have to be quarantined for 3 days on arrival in the USA and must have clear blood test results before they leave."

TRAVELLING ABROAD AS A GROOM IS A PRETTY STRESSFUL JOB. HOW DO YOU MANAGE TO KEEP YOURSELF HEALTHY, BOTH PHYSICALLY AND EMOTIONALLY, WHEN WORKING AWAY?

"I have to say having conversations with the other grooms has helped so much. Being able to ask questions to people who have done it before but also being able to offer to help too, knowing we are all in the same position. I try to keep myself well hydrated and will always try and have a snack down at the horses with me."

WHAT IS THE PLAN FOR YOUR RETURN TO THE UK?

"A lot of washing! Horse stuff and human! Classic VI will have some well-deserved time off, I imagine she will be spending her day snoozing in the sun (hopefully we have some sun!). I will be spending my day off up at Badminton cheering Kirsty and the team on."

WHAT TRAVEL INSURANCE DO YOU HAVE AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

"I am so glad that I am a member of BGA. They kindly talked me through the insurance options to help me ensure that I had the correct insurance which covers me for the work I do.  As much as we know our horses inside and out, they are unpredictable animals, that are rather large, so it's important to be sensible, just in case."

Having the correct travel insurance is essential for all grooms who plan on working abroad.

Holiday travel insurance will not cover you whilst working abroad with horses.

The BGA Grooms Travel Insurance provides suitable travel insurance for all grooms, EU and Worldwide.

Protecting yourself is important, trust us, we hear about accidents all the time.

JOIN NOW from as little as 49 pence per week.

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Header image credit: Lauren Hirst, Peden Bloodstock